Media Release
22 August 2011

Murupara Forestry Worker Finds the Lotto Money Tree

A Murupara couple are today trying to come to grips with winning a life
changing $12 million prize, says NZ Lotteries' Chief Executive Todd
McLeay.

The winner, who wishes to remain anonymous, is a Murupara forestry
worker who had to ask his boss for a day off to make the trip to claim
the prize.

"When I told him I needed Monday off, he asked if I had won Lotto, so I
had to say yes!

"We decided to drive down yesterday with some family to the big smoke to
claim our prize today. We also checked our ticket on the way down in
Taihape just be completely sure that we had right numbers."

The couple stayed in central Wellington and celebrated their win with a
steak dinner at the Hotel Bristol in Cuba Street.

The couple's win is big news in the small town, with its population of
around 2,000.

"It's been huge news in the town since the Lotto results came out on
Saturday night. Everyone has been talking about it, and hoping it has
been won by a local - which it has!"

The couple plan to take their time to think about what they want to do
with their lives after such a big win. "We will get some really good
financial advice, as we want this money to last for us."

But the couple, who currently rent their house, do have plans for some
travel and to buy their own place - mortgage free.

The winner has also long dreamed of owning a boat. "I love fishing and
diving, so buying a new boat would be a dream come true."

The couple would also like to give back to the small town. "We do plan
to do something for the town to share our good fortune," they said.

Their winning ticket was sold at Murupara Four Square. The lucky
winners have won $11,853,233 from Powerball and $200,000 from their
share of Lotto First Division.

The other big Powerball winning ticket, sold at Hari Superette in
Papatoetoe, Auckland, was also claimed yesterday.

ends

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